When Christian Pulisic went down injured on worldwide obligation, it wasn’t simply Milan’s attacking rhythm that took successful — it additionally opened up an surprising query for Massimiliano Allegri and his teaching workers. With Santiago Gimenez nonetheless settling into life at San Siro and Luka Modric anchoring the midfield, followers have begun to surprise: if a vital penalty had been awarded, who would step as much as the spot for the Rossoneri?
The dialog, seemingly easy, arrives at a time of unease. Pulisic’s damage, sustained throughout the US’ pleasant towards Australia, has left Milan briefly with out their designated penalty taker and arguably their most constant performer of the season. However the debate over who takes his place has solely grown louder following the membership’s troubling penalty report — the worst in Europe’s high 5 leagues since 2024.
The issue started when Pulisic, who had been managing a minor ankle problem, began for the U.S. regardless of Milan’s medical warnings. He lasted simply 31 minutes earlier than limping off with a hamstring pressure. In keeping with varied Italian shops, the Purple and blacks had been “livid with the dealing with of Pulisic’s situation” by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, who downplayed the damage after the match.
Following checks in Italy, the membership confirmed that the 27-year-old had suffered a “low-grade hamstring tear”, ruling him out for at the very least three weeks. That absence will see him miss a number of key fixtures — and, crucially, any potential penalty alternatives.
Christian Pulisic of the US leaves the sport after selecting up an damage vs Australia.
That is no minor problem for Milan. As Calciomercato identified, since January 2024, the Rossoneri have missed seven of their final 13 penalties, a staggering 54% failure fee. That statistic locations them useless final amongst Europe’s elite golf equipment by way of penalty conversion.
Allegri’s belief and downside of confidence
Regardless of his miss towards Juventus earlier this month, his second since arriving at San Siro, Allegri was fast to defend his participant. “Pulisic is our penalty taker. One miss doesn’t change that,” the coach informed reporters post-match. “I simply want to determine who takes them when he’s not there.”
That declaration mirrored each religion and frustration. Whereas Pulisic’s composure has been a relentless function of Milan’s resurgence beneath Allegri, his absence now leaves the crew looking for stability in a division that has price them dearly within the title race.
Christian Pulisic misses a penalty through the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan.
The alternate options: Gimenez, Modric, or one other participant?
The 2 apparent candidates are Santiago Gimenez and Luka Modric, every with their strengths and weaknesses. Gimenez, Milan’s Mexican striker, brings energy and confidence from the spot. In keeping with Transfermarkt, he’s transformed 15 of 20 penalties in his profession, giving him a 75% success fee. However followers haven’t forgotten his miss towards Napoli final March, when Alex Meret denied him from 12 yards — a second that symbolized the membership’s ongoing spot-kick curse.
Nonetheless, many supporters see the logic in letting a striker deal with penalties. As one fan informed Calciomercato, “Old-fashioned on that one — the striker ought to take penalties.” Others argue for flexibility: “If Pulisic is out, Gimenez, because the beginning ahead, ought to take them. In any other case, share it relying on the state of affairs.”
Then there’s Luka Modric, the veteran playmaker whose expertise speaks for itself. The Croatian has taken 30 penalties all through his profession, changing 24 and lacking six — a report that’s dependable, if not flawless. His calmness beneath strain and skill to learn the goalkeeper’s motion make him a secure possibility, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates after scoring
Given his background and talent set, Rafael Leao additionally stands out among the many projected beginning lineup as a participant who might take the lead. His profession penalty conversion fee is three targets with one missed.
